Are you in need of a getaway? Well, the time is finally here to start your vacation close to home! We welcome you to New Westminster, the city with everything you need to plan the perfect getaway. Keep reading to find inspiration for the ultimate staycation in one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, Uptown New West.
Do
Uptown New West is a vibrant neighbourhood with activities to entertain visitors of all ages and interests.
Shop! Royal City Centre at 6th Ave & 6th street offers everything from fashion to specialty stores. Find your specialty electronic items at The Source or T&N Games, your health products at Alive Health Centre, clothing and home goods at Winners, and international items at Everyday Items Japan – to name a few. Click here for a full list of stores and services available at Royal City Centre.
If you like to amble, Uptown New West has tons of specialty shops to find your unique products. Galloway’s has specialty foods, spices, and baking ingredients; Uptown Florist has the most stunning bouquets for every occasion; and Kozak Ukrainian Eatery has fresh bread, baked goods, and traditional Ukrainian dishes to stock up in the freezer.
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As a special bonus, two blocks of 6th Avenue have the roadway open to pedestrians on Saturdays this summer from 9 am-7 pm. This Uptown Ped Zone creates the perfect environment for safe social distancing while allowing space to visit with friends and neighbours. Stop by to see what special activities the businesses have to offer this weekend!
If you’re in search of a way to keep yourself and the kids active, visit Moody Park. This park offers a dynamic playground and spray park with plenty of benches and picnic tables. Grab takeout from one of the many restaurants in the neighbourhood for a picnic at the park. Book a slot at the Moody Park Pool and cool down on a hot day.
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If you have a love for cooking and are looking to expand your skills, sign up for a cooking class at Artusi Restaurant and develop your pasta-making skills. If arts are more your style, visit the Plaskett Gallery to view the current exhibitions and watch a performance by Plaskett Limited Artist Residencies.
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Uptown is well known for its biggest event of the year, Uptown Live! This year, it is coming to you virtually from Massey Theatre. Watch the live stream from the comfort of your own home on August 22nd at 6 pm. Click here to watch the live stream.
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Eat
For all our foodies out there, you’re bound to find a restaurant that will perk up your taste buds.
All the locals know that Anny’s Dairy Bar is one of the best spots in New West to get your poutine fix. This French Canadian restaurant is a neighbourhood classic and has been serving up traditional dishes for years. You can’t leave without getting their Maple Twist Soft Serve, it’s their most famous treat.
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For a little poutine war, we challenge you to also taste the hottest new poutine joint on 6th street, Mean Poutine. These specialty gourmet poutines are generously topped with gravy, cheese curds, and fillings of your choice. They are also available for delivery through UberEats.
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Looking for a unique dining experience? At Mongo Bongo Mongolian Grill, you pick all your favourite ingredients and sauces, then watch as the chefs grill and stir fry your food to perfection. Not only is it delicious, but it is completely customizable with unlimited stir fry possibilities.
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Hons Wun-Tun House is the place to go for Asian comfort food. They serve popular Cantonese dishes, specializing in Hong-Kong-style BBQ, and their premium quality Dim Sum is sure to hit the spot. Hons is open for dine-in and takeout; it can also be delivered via UberEats.
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Finally, for a sweet treat, visit Rocky Point Ice Cream. Their locally made ice cream comes in over 25 flavours, they even have doggie cones so that everyone in the family can have a taste. So good that you want more? They also have pints, quarts, and ice cream cakes available for purchase to take home. Trust us, the line up is totally worth it!
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For more inspiration on New Wests Unique Eats, visit our blog!
Drink
Union Jack Public House is a must-visit for drinks in Uptown New West. Join them for live music, karaoke, and other activities. Their menu has a wide variety of drinks including 15 draught beers, $7.96 cocktails, and just about every flavour of shooter you can think of. Union Jack is open for dine-in and takeout for some excellent pub grub.
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We can’t wait to see you out exploring Uptown New West, don’t forget to check back for our blog on discovering the heritage in New West!